Multi-person tricycle

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of a multi-person tricycle are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two front drive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly, and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steering mechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by one or more riders. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes a lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly which: (i) provides the ability for any single rider to simultaneously power two or more independent drive trains; and which (ii) provides the ability for two (or more) simultaneous riders to separately and independently power their respective drive trains by means of a dynamically adjustable coupling/decoupling mechanism.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part application, pursuant to theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. §120, of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/429,337 titled “MULTI-PERSON TRICYCLE” by James et al., filed on Mar.24, 2012, which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/548,422 titled “MULTI-PERSON TRICYCLE” by James et al., filed on26 Aug. 2009. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/429,337 also claimsbenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/236,867, namingJames et al. as inventors, and filed Aug. 25, 2009. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/548,422 claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/091,741, naming James et al. as inventors, andfiled Aug. 26, 2008. Each of the above-referenced patent applications isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, manufacturers and designers of adult tricycles havetypically focused their tricycle design and configuration efforts onproducing adult tricycles with a lowered center of gravity in order togain various advantageous features such as, for example, stability andreduced wind resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view showing a specific example embodiment ofan inventive multi-person tricycle in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the multi-person tricycle illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the multi-person tricycle illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example showing how the multi-person tricycle ofFIG. 1 may be broken down into a disassembled form.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view showing an example of an alternateembodiment of an inventive tricycle in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of various the components that at leastone tricycle embodiment may be assembled from.

FIG. 7 illustrates the component set from FIG. 6 as viewed from a bottomperspective of the assembled vehicle.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate example embodiment of a pedal connectionassembly.

FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of a pedal connection assembly in“locked” configuration.

FIGS. 10-11 show example embodiments of a pedal connection assembly in“unlocked” configuration.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate other example embodiments of a multi-persontricycle with bench seat (e.g., 1250) and without bench seat (e.g.,1200).

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of amulti-person tricycle which includes a lockable/unlockable pedalconnection assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

Various aspects described or referenced herein may be directed todifferent embodiments of an inventive mutli-person tricycle havingvarious features as illustrated and described and/or referenced herein.

Various embodiments of a multi-person tricycle are disclosed. In atleast one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two front drivewheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly, andincludes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steeringmechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by oneor more riders. Steering is controlled by either rider via a singlesteering mechanism. In at least one embodiment, the multi-persontricycle may be configured or designed to enable two front riders to sitside-by-side, and further may be configured or designed to enable eachrider to independently exert and/or vary his or her own pedaling forceand/or pedaling cadence without substantially affecting steering of thevehicle. In at least one embodiment, the entire tricycle apparatus maybe constructed or assembled using components of two ordinary bicyclesand a few other commonly available parts. The tricycle apparatus maydisassemble easily into several components and/or assemblies whichcollectively take up relatively little volume, thereby facilitating easeof shipment and storage. Additionally, re-assembly of the tricycle maybe quickly and easily performed by a person without requiring use of anytools. The multi-person tricycle is easy to operate and provides forimproved safety when navigating through street traffic because theconfiguration of the tricycle places the riders' head heights at an evenlevel with passenger cars.

In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includes two frontdrive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive train assembly,and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to a steeringmechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operated by oneor more riders. In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycleincludes a lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly. In at leastone embodiment, lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly may beconfigured or designed to provide functionality for mechanically coupletogether two or more independent drive train assemblies in a mannerwhich: (i) provides the ability for any single rider to simultaneouslypower two or more independent drive trains; and which (ii) provides theability for two (or more) simultaneous riders to separately andindependently power their respective drive trains by means of adynamically adjustable coupling/decoupling mechanism.

In at least one embodiment, the lockable/unlockable pedal connectionassembly may be left attached to the multi-person tricycle, and mayenable the multi-person tricycle to be used in both single rider modeand multi-rider modes. According to different embodiments, thelockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly may include, but are notlimited to, one or more of the following (or combinations thereof):

-   -   Crank arm assemblies including a right crank arm and a left        crank arm.    -   Lockable/unlockable crank arm linkage assembly, which, for        example, may be configured or designed to provide functionality        for enabling a user to selectively mechanically couple/decouple        two or more independent drive train assemblies in a manner        which: (i) provides the ability for any single rider to        simultaneously power two or more independent drive trains; and        which (ii) provides the ability for two simultaneous riders to        separately and independently power their respective drive        trains.    -   Lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly        coupling/decoupling mechanism, which may be configured or        designed to be removably insertable into crank arm linkage        assembly to thereby lock the relative positions of crank arms        with respect to each other, and inhibit independent rotation of        external housing portion and internal rod portion.    -   Swivel Pedal platforms.    -   Pedal coupling mechanisms which, for example, may be configured        or designed to mechanically couple pedal portions to the        respective pedals of multi-person tricycle drive train        assemblies.

In at least one embodiment, crank arm linkage assembly may include, butis not limited to, one or more of the following (or combinationsthereof):

-   -   External housing portion, which, for example, is coupled to one        crank arm.    -   Internal rod portion, which, for example, is coupled to another        crank arm.    -   Roller bearing cartridges which, for example may be configured        or designed to mechanically couple external housing portion and        internal rod portion in a manner which enables external housing        portion and internal rod portion to rotate independently with        respect to each other (e.g., when coupling/decoupling mechanism        is in “unlocked” or “decoupled” configuration).

In at least one embodiment, lockable/unlockable pedal connectionassembly may be set in “unlocked” or “decoupled” configuration, therebydecoupling the left and right crank arms of the pedal connectionassembly, and allowing left and right crank arms of the pedal connectionassembly to rotate independently from each other. This “unlocked”configuration enables two simultaneous riders to separately andindependently power their respective drive trains in a manner similar tothat described with respect to the multi-person tricycle embodiments ofFIGS. 1-3, for example.

In other embodiments, lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly maybe set in “locked” or “coupled” configuration such as, for use insingle-rider modes or for use in multi-rider modes where a middle rideris present. To set the multi-person tricycle in “locked” configuration,a locking mechanism of the crank arm linkage assembly may be engaged,thereby locking the relative positions of left and right crank arms ofthe pedal connection assembly, and preventing the left and right crankarms of the pedal connection assembly from rotating independently fromeach other. In at least one embodiment, this “locked” configurationallows one or more riders to provide pedal power, and the pedal torqueprovided by each rider may be transferred to the two drive trains of themulti-person tricycle.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the various aspectsdescribed or referenced herein will become apparent from the followingdescription of its preferred embodiments, which description may be takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Specific Example Embodiments

Various techniques will now be described in detail with reference to afew example embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. In the following description, numerous specific details may beset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or moreaspects and/or features described or referenced herein. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more aspectsand/or features described or referenced herein may be practiced withoutsome or one or more of these specific details. In other instances, wellknown process steps and/or structures have not been described in detailin order to not obscure some of the aspects and/or features described orreferenced herein.

One or more different inventions may be described in the presentapplication. Further, for one or more of the invention(e.g., s)described herein, numerous embodiments may be described in this patentapplication, and may be presented for illustrative purposes only. Thedescribed embodiments may not be intended to be limiting in any sense.One or more of the invention(e.g., s) may be widely applicable tonumerous embodiments, as may be readily apparent from the disclosure.These embodiments may be described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice one or more of the invention(e.g., s),and it may be to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand that structural, logical, software, electrical and other changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the one or more of theinvention(e.g., s). Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognizethat the one or more of the invention(e.g., s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations. Particular features of one ormore of the invention(e.g., s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments or figures that form a part of the presentdisclosure, and in which may be shown, by way of illustration, specificembodiments of one or more of the invention(e.g., s). It may beunderstood, however, that such features may not be limited to usage inthe one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference towhich they may be described. The present disclosure may be neither aliteral description of one or more embodiments of one or more of theinvention(e.g., s) nor a listing of features of one or more of theinvention(e.g., s) that may be present in one or more embodiments.

Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the titleof this patent application may be for convenience only, and may not beto be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Devices that may be in communication with at least one other need not bein continuous communication with at least one other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In addition, devices that may be in communicationwith at least one other may communicate directly or indirectly throughone or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith at least one other does not imply that one or more such componentsmay be required. To the contrary, a variety of optional components maybe described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments ofone or more of the invention(e.g., s).

When a single device or article may be described, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (e.g., whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article may be described (e.g., whether ornot they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a singledevice/article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle.

The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices that may not be explicitlydescribed as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodimentsof one or more of the invention(e.g., s) need not include the deviceitself.

Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein will sometimesbe described in singular form for clarity. However, it may beappreciated that particular embodiments include multiple iterations of atechnique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless notedotherwise.

As described previously, manufacturers and designers of adult tricycleshave typically focused their tricycle design and configuration effortson producing adult tricycles with a lowered center of gravity in orderto gain various advantageous features such as, for example, stabilityand reduced wind resistance. However, such modern and traditionaltricycle configurations leave riders vulnerable to vehicle impact, poorvisibility, obscured visibility in traffic, etc.

In contrast to conventional tricycle designs, various tricycleembodiments described herein provide various features, advantages and/orbenefits not previously taught or suggested in the prior art. Forexample, in at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle includestwo front drive wheel assemblies, each having an independent drive trainassembly, and includes a rear wheel assembly operably connected to asteering mechanism which may be simultaneously or independently operatedby one or more riders. Steering may be controlled by either rider via asingle steering mechanism. The unique independent drive trainconfiguration enables each of the front two riders to simultaneouslyand/or independently contribute a respective peddling force and/orpedaling cadence which may be different from (e.g., and/ordisproportionate from) that of the other rider, without significantly orsubstantially affecting the steering and/or tracking of the vehicle. Itis also possible for one rider to pedal while the other rider rests(e.g., e.g., by not pedaling), without substantially or significantlyaffecting the tracking and/or steering of the vehicle.

In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle may be configuredor designed to enable two front riders to sit side-by-side, and furthermay be configured or designed to enable each rider to independentlyexert and/or vary his or her own pedaling force and/or pedaling cadencewithout substantially affecting steering of the vehicle. Theside-by-side seating configuration encourages a social conveyance and/orinteraction similar to that typically experienced between a driver andpassenger of a car or other motor vehicle.

In at least one embodiment, the entire tricycle apparatus may beconstructed or assembled using components of two ordinary bicycles and afew other commonly available parts. The tricycle apparatus maydisassemble easily into several components and/or assemblies whichcollectively take up relatively little volume, thereby facilitating easeof shipment and storage. Additionally, re-assembly of the tricycle maybe quickly and easily performed by a person without requiring use of anytools.

The independent drive configuration of the two front wheel assembliesallows for a new and novel ease of disassembly for transport andstorage. For example, in at least one embodiment, the tricycle may bedisassembled into convenient sub-assemblies, including, for example, twofront wheel assemblies and a rear wheel assembly. Further, in thetricycle's disassembled form, each of the front wheel assemblies maycomprise it's own respective wheel, chain ring(e.g., s), gear(e.g., s)and chain (e.g., and/or other components such as pedals, frame, etc.)which may remain assembled together in their respectively assembledforms. This advantageously provides for improved and more convenienttricycle disassembly and re-assembly than that of rear wheel drivetricycle configurations where the lengthy chain(e.g., s) may becumbersome and may significantly impede disassembly and/or re-assembly.

The multi-person tricycle is also easy to operate and provides forimproved safety when navigating through street traffic since, forexample, the configuration of the tricycle places each rider's headheights at an even level with passenger cars, allowing the rider(e.g.,s) to view surrounding traffic as well as allowing drivers of othervehicles to more readily observe the tricycle and its rider(e.g., s).Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the configuration of thetricycle places each rider's body above the bumper height of most carsand/or other street vehicles, while sacrificing very little instability.

In at least one embodiment, the multi-person tricycle may be configuredor designed to include an electric hub which facilitates the vehicle tobe used in a manner similar to the way one would use an automobile for“running errands”. In at least one embodiment the electric hub may bemounted to power the rear wheel of the rear wheel assembly. Also, thishub allows a third rider to contribute to the power of the vehicleelectrically by pedaling (e.g., or hand cranking) a generator. In thisway, the tricycle may usher in the acceptance of human powered hybridson our city streets. Moreover, this new and novel light-weight humanpowered vehicle may allow our population to transition into anaffordable alternative to fossil fuel consuming vehicles.

LIST OF EXAMPLE REFERENCED PART NUMBERS

-   -   100 Multi-person tricycle assembly    -   400 Disassembled components    -   500 Three alternate embodiments    -   600 Traditional bicycle components    -   603 Traditional bicycle front wheel, headset and fork    -   605 Handle bar    -   608 a Traditional bicycle rear triangle drive train    -   608 b Traditional bicycle rear triangle drive train    -   624 Traditional bicycle headset    -   700 Traditional bicycle components    -   1200 Alternative perspective    -   1250 Alternative perspective    -   2 Human pedalers (e.g., not referenced)    -   3 Rear steering wheel assembly    -   5 Shared handle bar    -   6 Steering push rod    -   7 Steering sensitivity adjustment    -   8 a Right independent drive train    -   8 b Left independent drive train    -   10 Steering dampener    -   11 Adjustable telescoping handle bar mount    -   15 Adjustment for steering dampening    -   17 Handle bar pivot    -   24 Rear steering wheel assembly headset    -   25 Steering limit mechanism    -   26 Steering stop    -   27 Steering limit adjustment    -   30 Alternative embodiment device for linking drive trains    -   31 a Alternative embodiment right pedal for center rider    -   31 b Alternative embodiment left pedal for center rider    -   44 Alternative embodiment bench seat    -   60 Extended mounting sleeves    -   66 Steering placement alignment holes    -   67 (e.g., a,b,c,d) Longitudinal frame members    -   68 Frame pivots    -   69 Handle bar mount sleeve    -   70 Strengthening gussets    -   85 Battery support    -   86 a Upper lateral frame member.    -   86 b Lower lateral frame member    -   Angle α: Minimum steering angle;    -   Angle β: Maximum riding steering angle.    -   H Height of rider's head

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 show specific example embodiment of a three wheelmulti-person vehicle 1. As illustrated in the example embodiments ofFIGS. 1-3, the multi-person tricycle comprises a plurality of tubularmembers which may be composed of suitable materials such as, forexample, steel, alloy steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and/or othersuitable bicycle frame and materials. According to various embodiments,the tubular members may be joined by welding, brazing, fastening, and/orlike mechanical attachment method.

As illustrated in the example embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, two independentdrive train assemblies (e.g., e.g., 8 a, 8 b, FIG. 3) may be linked bylateral frame members 86. In one embodiment, this rigid assembly islinked to a rear steering wheel assembly (e.g., e.g., 3) by longitudinalframe members 67. This steering wheel assembly may be linked by push rodassembly 6 to a telescoping and/or adjustable handle bar mount 11 via apivot mounted to a repositionable sleeve 69, which, for example, may bemounted or attached to lower lateral bar 86. This entire assembly may betopped by handle bar 5, which functions as the vehicle's steeringmechanism.

Rear steering wheel assembly (e.g., e.g., 3, FIG. 2) may be dampened bydampener 10 mounted to longitudinal frame member and this dampening maybe adjusted through a plurality of settings 15 mounted to rear steeringwheel assembly. Likewise, steering sensitivity may be adjusted through aplurality of settings 7. Maximum turn angle may be set for differentconditions by steering adjuster 25 mounted to longitudinal frame memberby mount 27. As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 1, thisassembly comes in contact with stop 26 mounted to rear steering wheelassembly.

Examples of various possible turn angle limits are shown in FIG. 2. Oneturn angle limit may be set based on the limit at which any objectcleared by front wheel assemblies and pedals will not be clipped by rearsteering wheel assembly (e.g., e.g., as the vehicle passes by theobject). In at least one embodiment, another turn angle limit may be setbased on an appropriate limit to prevent wheel damage from extreme turnangles during vehicle movement. As illustrated in the example embodimentof FIG. 2, two of the turn angles may be labeled as α and β,respectively. One or more limits may be removed for low speedmaneuvering.

As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the two drive trainassemblies (e.g., e.g., 8 a, 8 b) may each comprise a respective set ofcomponents including, for example, one or more of the following (e.g.,or combinations thereof):

-   -   pedals,    -   crank arms,    -   chain ring(e.g., s),    -   derailleur,    -   gear(e.g., s),    -   wheels    -   chain    -   brake(e.g., s)    -   wheel release mechanism(e.g., s)    -   and/or other components which may typically be included on the        rear frame or rear triangle assembly portion of a conventional        bicycle.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment, will really be apparent fromthe figures, the two drive train assemblies (e.g., e.g., 8 a, 8 b) mayeach be implemented utilizing the existing (e.g., and/or substantiallyunaltered) rear triangle assembly portions of 2 conventional bicycles.In at least one embodiment, one or both of the drive train assemblies(e.g., e.g., 8 a, 8 b) may include strengthening gussets 70 for addedstrength and/or stability. Additionally, in at least one embodiment,another strengthening gusset may be added to the rear steering headset.

In at least one embodiment, the shift mechanisms and braking assembliesof each of the two drive train assemblies (e.g., e.g., 8 a, 8 b), andmay be used in a conventional manner, and may be utilized in a formwhich is substantially unaltered from its original configuration of theconventional bicycle assembly.

In at least one embodiment, relative location of brake and shift levermounts of each drive train assembly may remain substantially unchanged(e.g., e.g., from its original configuration of the conventional bicycleassembly) and/or and may re-positioned according to rider's preference.

As shown in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the relativeorientation of the triangular shaped the drive train assemblies (e.g.,e.g., 8 a, 8 b) may be rotated approximately 90 degrees as compared tothe relative orientation of the same triangular shaped the drive trainassembly as used in a conventional bicycle assembly. In at least somealternate embodiments, other angles of orientation are possible (e.g.,e.g., which, for example, may range from about 0-170 degrees).

Seating members may be mounted to the upper longitudinal frame member 67and the upper lateral frame member 86. In one embodiment, themulti-person tricycle may include a bench type-seat (e.g., e.g., 44,FIG. 5) which, for example, enables two riders of different heights topedal side by side, and/or may enable or a single rider (e.g., e.g.,positioned at the center position of the seat) to use drive trainconnector (e.g., e.g., 30, FIG. 5) to power both drive trains (e.g.,e.g., 8 a, 8 b) via use of pedals 31 a and 31 b, which, for example, maybe operably attached to the interior pedals of the drive trainassemblies.

At least one alternate embodiment may include contoured bucket seats fortwo riders (e.g., as shown, for example, in FIGS. 8-11), and/or mayinclude a battery mount (e.g., e.g., 85. FIG. 5), which, for example,may be attached (e.g., e.g., removably attached) to lower lateral framemember 86 and right lower longitudinal frame member 67. In at least oneembodiment, the attachment of a battery to battery mount 85 may alsoserve as a counter balance for a single rider riding in theopposite-side bucket seat (e.g., e.g., left side seat).

Benefits/Features/Advantages

Various embodiments of the multi-person tricycle described here mayinclude a number of different advantages, benefits and/or other featuressuch as, for example, one or more of the following (e.g., orcombinations thereof):

-   -   A 3-wheel semi-recumbant vehicle.    -   A plurality of frame members joining two front drive wheels to a        rear steering wheel assembly.    -   Side by side social seating. For example, in one embodiment, two        drivers may sit side-by-side to converse with at least one other        while driving/pedaling tricycle (e.g., 100)    -   In at least one embodiment, a level of safety may be provided by        the height of the tricycle maintaining the head height of the        rider/riders at eye level with motor vehicle drivers in traffic.        (see e.g., “H” FIG. 2; FIG. 10)    -   Front drive wheel assemblies each with independent drive trains        to allow at least one rider to pedal at their own cadence, level        of force, or even to rest. In at least one embodiment, the        steering and tracking may be substantially unaffected.    -   Adjustable crossover rear steering affected by an adjustable        push rod. (e.g., 7)    -   Steering sensitivity adjustability (e.g., 7).    -   Shared steering assembly allows either rider to have alternative        focus (e.g., and/or even not pedal at various at times, such as,        for example, while distracted by other tasks such as reading a        map, texting, or accessing a rear storage compartment).    -   In at least one embodiment, the entire tricycle may be built        using the components of 2 standard bicycles with and a few other        commonly available parts (e.g., shown in phantom in FIG. 6),        making it an economical design option.    -   Each front drive wheel assembly (or drive train assembly) may        include, for example, a components from a conventional or        traditional rear bicycle triangle, such as, for example, pedals,        gears, chain, etc. One or more of these components have readily        replaceable parts and may be serviced by any bicycle mechanic        with no special training.    -   Comfortable, adjustable multi-person seating for riders of        different heights who may not find traditional bicycle seats        comfortable.    -   Adjustable steering dampening (e.g., 10, 15) for smooth riding        at higher speeds (e.g., e.g., street traffic speeds) (e.g.,        adjustable).    -   Steering limits prevent rear wheel assembly from being damaged        from extreme turn angles (e.g., 25) (e.g., Illustrated by angle        β)    -   Steering limits prevent rear wheel assembly from tracking wider        than the path of the two front wheel assemblies (e.g.,        Illustrated by angle α). (e.g., 26, 25)    -   Two wheel up front configuration allows for easy determination        of width clearance while navigating through a crowded location,        and the steering limit may prevent the rear wheel assembly from        rolling over obstacles cleared by the front wheel assemblies.        This may be quite useful when courteously navigating around a        crowd. (e.g., 25, angle α)    -   Two wheel up front one in back allows for better stability in        turns for tricycles (e.g., 100)    -   Gussets (e.g., 70) added to frame parts to increase lateral        strength. In at least one embodiment, this may be desirable due        to high carriage of riders' body weight and to increase strength        for carrying cargo.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment showing the entire three wheelmulti-person vehicle from FIG. 1 in a disassembled state 400.Longitudinal frame members 67 may be identical and fit into receivingsleeves on rear wheel assembly 3 and front drive train assemblies 8. Asillustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 4, several of thesemounted sleeves 60 may be extended, allowing longitudinal members to beinterchangeable. In one alternative embodiment, these sleeves may be onpivots 68 and may be free to pivot horizontally. This pivoting actionallows the wheel base to be adjusted for different riding conditions byinterchanging lateral frame members 86 of different sizes.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment showing in phantomcontrast the components sourced from two traditional bicycles and thecomplementary very few components needed to build an embodiment ofmulti-person multi-person tricycle, such as that shown, for example, inFIGS. 1-3.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate other example embodiments of a multi-persontricycle with bench seat (e.g., 1250) and without bench seat (e.g.,1200).

Lockable/Unlockable Pedal Connection Assembly

In the multi-person tricycle embodiment illustrated, for example, inFIG. 3, two riders may independently provide power to their respectivedrive trains (e.g., 8 a, 8 b). Additionally, when two riders areoperating the multi-person tricycle of FIG. 3, it is possible for thevehicle to be operated in a “two rider-single pedaler” mode (withoutaffecting the performance and/or handling of the vehicle) whereby onerider (e.g., seated on one side of the tricycle such as, for example,left side) does all the pedaling (e.g., via that rider's respective setof pedals) to provide all of the drive torque while the other rider(e.g., seated on the other side of the tricycle, such as the right side)does not do any pedaling (and does not provide any drive torque). Insuch a configuration, the weight attributable to the “relaxing” ridermay provide an important counter-weight during turns, especially tightturns.

Alternatively, while a single rider may comfortably operate the tricyclefrom the left-side or right-side position, the imbalance of weight mayincrease the probability of tipping during turns. Accordingly, in atleast one embodiment, when operating the multi-person tricycle in a“single rider” mode (e.g., with a single rider), it may be preferablefor the single rider to operate the multi-person tricycle from acentered seating position.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an alternate embodiment of the multi-persontricycle in which a removably attachable pedal coupling assembly (e.g.,30, 31 a, 31 b) are provided to mechanically couple together two or moreindependent drive train assemblies (e.g., 8 a, 8 b, FIG. 3), therebyallowing any single rider to simultaneously power two or moreindependent drive trains. In at least one embodiment, the pedal couplingassembly of FIG. 5 may be easily installed by a user by attaching pedals31 a and 31 b to the respective pedals (32 a, 32 b) of drive trainassemblies 8 a, 8 b. Similarly, pedal coupling assembly of FIG. 5 may beeasily removed by a user by detaching pedals 31 a and 31 b from theirrespective pedals 32 a, 32 b. When the pedal coupling assembly isinstalled as illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 5, the drivetrain assemblies 8 a and 8 b become mechanically coupled together.However, in this configuration, the drive train assemblies 8 a and 8 bmay lose their respective cadence independence from one another since,for example, the mechanical motion of the pedals of drive trainassemblies 8 a, 8 b are now mechanically linked together. This may beundesirable for multiple rider scenarios where the riders wish to takeadvantage of the independent drive train feature(s) of the multi-persontricycle which enables each of rider to simultaneously and/orindependently contribute a respective peddling force and/or pedalingcadence via their respective drive train assemblies 8 a, 8 b.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate example embodiment of a lockable/unlockablepedal connection assembly 800. In at least one embodiment, pedalconnection assembly 800 may be configured or designed to providefunctionality for mechanically couple together two or more independentdrive train assemblies (e.g., 8 a, 8 b, FIG. 3) in a manner which: (i)provides the ability for any single rider to simultaneously power two ormore independent drive trains; and which (ii) provides the ability fortwo (or more) simultaneous riders to separately and independently powertheir respective drive trains by means of a dynamically adjustablecoupling/decoupling mechanism (e.g., 806, FIG. 8).

As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 8, the pedal connectionassembly may include, for example, four independently rotatingcomponents 802 a, 802 b, 804 a, 804 b transversely connecting the leftpedal 801 b of the right drive train (e.g., 8 b, FIG. 3) and the rightpedal (801 a) of the left drive train (e.g., 8 a, FIG. 13). By way ofillustration, as illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 8, pedalconnection assembly 800 may include, but are not limited to, one or moreof the following (or combinations thereof):

-   -   Crank arm assemblies including a right and left crank arms 804        a, 804 b.    -   Lockable/unlockable crank arm linkage assembly (e.g., 820),        which, for example, may be configured or designed to provide        functionality for enabling a user to selectively mechanically        couple/decouple two or more independent drive train assemblies        (e.g., 8 a, 8 b, FIG. 3) in a manner which: (i) provides the        ability for any single rider to simultaneously power two or more        independent drive trains; and which (ii) provides the ability        for two simultaneous riders to separately and independently        power their respective drive trains. As illustrated in the        example embodiment of FIG. 8, Crank arm linkage assembly 820 may        include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following (or        combinations thereof):        -   External housing portion 805, which, for example, is coupled            to crank arm 804 a;        -   Internal rod portion 824, which, for example, is coupled to            crank arm 804 b;        -   Roller bearing cartridges 826 a, 826 b, which, for example            may be configured or designed to mechanically couple            external housing portion 805 and internal rod portion 824 in            a manner which enables external housing portion 805 and            internal rod portion 824 to rotate independently with            respect to each other (e.g., when coupling/decoupling            mechanism 806 is removed), as illustrated, for example, in            FIG. 10-11.    -   Lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly        coupling/decoupling mechanism 806, which may be configured or        designed to be removably insertable into crank arm linkage        assembly 820 (e.g., via apertures 805 a, 805 b and shaft 824 a)        to thereby lock the relative positions of crank arms 804 a and        804 b with respect to each other, and inhibit independent        rotation of external housing portion 805 and internal rod        portion 824.    -   Swivel Pedal platforms 802 a, 802 b.    -   Pedal coupling mechanisms (e.g., 830), which, for example, may        be configured or designed to mechanically couple pedal portions        802 a,b to the respective pedals (801 a, 801 b) of multi-person        tricycle drive train assemblies (e.g., 8 a, 8 b, FIG. 3)

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in the example embodiment ofFIG. 8, the pedal connection assembly may be attached to multi-persontricycle by attaching swivel Pedal platforms 802 a, 802 b to existingpedals 801 a, 801 b of the respective drive train assemblies via pedalcoupling mechanisms 830. Examples of different types of pedal couplingmechanisms may include, but are not limited to, one or more of thefollowing (or combinations thereof):

-   -   Overlapping sleeves;    -   Coupling bar(s) or pin(s) inserted into holes/apertures;    -   Overlapping plates;    -   Screws;    -   Nuts;    -   Bolts;    -   Etc.

For example, in at least one embodiment, pedal coupling mechanisms 803may be implemented via use of overlapping plates and bolts/screws. Anengineer skilled in the art could construct this connecting mechanismusing a variety of commonly used techniques. In at least one embodiment,swivel pedal 802 a,b may be implemented using commonly available bicyclepedals which have been adapted for allowing coupling to pedals 801 a,b,as illustrated in FIG. 8, for example.

As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 8, left crank arm 804 amay be rigidly connected to the external housing portion 805, andinternal rod portion 824 may be rigidly connected to crank arm 804 b. Inat least one embodiment, external housing portion 805 and internal rodportion 824 may be mechanically coupled to each other via rollerbearings 826 a, 826 b. In at least one embodiment, roller bearings 826a, 826 b may be implemented using press fit sealed bearings.

As illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 8, external housingportion 805 includes a plurality of holes/apertures (805 a, 805 b), andinternal rod portion 824 includes hollow shaft portion 824 a. Whenproperly aligned (as illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 8)pin 806 may be inserted through apertures 805 a,b and shaft 824 a tothereby lock the relative positions of crank arms 804 a and 804 b withrespect to each other, and inhibit independent rotation of externalhousing portion 805 and internal rod portion 824. While pin 806 isremoved from crank arm linkage assembly 820, left and right crank arms804 a, 804 b are free to move and rotate independently with respect toeach other, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 10-11.

In at least one embodiment, coupling/decoupling mechanism 806 may beimplemented using a lynch pin (and/or other type of mechanicallycoupling device).

In at least one embodiment, pedal connection assembly of FIG. 8 may beleft attached to the multi-person tricycle, and may enable themulti-person tricycle to be used in both single rider mode andmulti-rider modes. For use in multi-rider modes, pin 806 may be removedfrom the crank arm linkage assembly 820, thereby decoupling the left andright crank arms 804 a, 804 b, and allowing left and right crank arms804 a, 804 b to rotate independently from each other as illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 10-11. This “unlocked” configuration enables twosimultaneous riders to separately and independently power theirrespective drive trains in a manner similar to that described withrespect to the multi-person tricycle embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, forexample. That is, with the pedal connection assembly continuouslyattached and decoupled (e.g., pin 806 removed), the multi-persontricycle is used by two people in substantially the same way as if itwere not attached.

For use in single-rider modes, or multi-rider modes where a middle rideris present (e.g., occupying Position “C” as illustrated in FIG. 13), pin806 may be inserted into the crank arm linkage assembly 820 (e.g., asillustrated in FIG. 9), thereby locking the relative positions of leftand right crank arms 804 a, 804 b, and preventing the left and rightcrank arms 804 a, 804 b from rotating independently from each other. Inat least one embodiment, this “locked” configuration allows one or moreriders to provide pedal power, and the pedal torque provided by eachrider will be transferred to the two drive trains.

FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of a pedal connection assembly in“locked” configuration, illustrating how pin 806 may be inserted intothe crank arm linkage assembly 820, thereby locking the relativepositions of left and right crank arms and preventing the left and rightcrank arms from rotating independently from each other.

FIGS. 10-11 show example embodiments of a pedal connection assembly in“unlocked” configuration, illustrating how the left and right crank armsare able to rotate independently from each other.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate other example embodiments of a multi-persontricycle with bench seat (e.g., 1250) and without bench seat (e.g.,1200).

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of amulti-person tricycle which includes a lockable/unlockable pedalconnection assembly. In at least one embodiment, the multi-persontricycle 1300 may be configured or designed to provide functionality formechanically couple together two or more independent drive trainassemblies in a manner which: (i) provides the ability for any singlerider to simultaneously power two or more independent drive trains; andwhich (ii) provides the ability for two (or more) simultaneous riders toseparately and independently power their respective drive trains bymeans of a dynamically adjustable coupling/decoupling mechanism.According to different embodiments, the multi-person tricycle 1300 maybe configured for use in single-rider modes (e.g., where single rideroccupies Position “C”), and/or multi-rider modes where a middle rider ispresent (e.g., occupying Position “C”) and wishes to help pedal themulti-person tricycle.

Alternative Embodiments/Features (e.g., Not Shown)

-   -   The two sets of pedals may be linked for a single rider to pedal        from the center position (e.g., 30, FIG. 5).    -   A bench seat (e.g., 44, FIG. 5) provides adjustable seating for        single rider or 2 riders of different leg lengths.    -   Battery storage (e.g., 85, FIG. 5) may function as counter        balance if the rider is riding alone (e.g., on opposite side).    -   The tricycle disassembles to take up less volume than two        traditional bicycles.    -   Additionally, the multi-person tricycle described herein may be        easier to transport for the consumer than two traditional        bicycles. In fact, the entire tricycle fits in most cars that        cannot accommodate a single bicycle.    -   When shipped, the disassembled multi-person tricycle may be        stored in a box that may be smaller than two traditional bicycle        shipping boxes.    -   In one embodiment the chain and drive train do not change        configuration between assembled and disassembled states so there        is no need to handle or adjust a greasy or unwieldy chain during        assembly or disassembly.    -   One person may assemble or disassemble this vehicle in less than        five minutes (e.g., 400) without the aid or use of any hand        tools.    -   Two lateral members may be substituted with different length        members to affect different widths of wheel base for different        riding conditions (e.g., 86).    -   Pivots on longitudinal member sleeves allow for frame angle to        change when wheel base may be changed (e.g., 68)    -   Steering mount attached to sleeve on lower lateral member        facilitating disassembly and storage, and a plurality of        positional placements (e.g., 66) for different riding        configurations (e.g., 69).    -   Mounts for the two lower longitudinal members may be extended to        make multiple longitudinal members the same length (e.g.,        interchangeable for ease and speed of assembly). (e.g., 60)    -   Electric rear wheel assembly hub drive to be powered by battery        and/or 3^(rd) rider pedaling a generator (e.g., 40).    -   Entire assembled vehicle may be stood on end balancing on front        drive wheels and pedals or stand for easy storage.    -   Two independent drive trains leaves chain configuration        unaltered whether assembled or disassembled.    -   Disassembled components occupy very little volume for        transportation by consumer or for shipping.    -   By substituting two straight frame members, the wheel base may        be adjusted for different riding conditions.    -   Side by side independent front wheel drive assemblies drive for        one or more passengers.    -   Shared steering mechanism.    -   Independent force and cadence mechanism.    -   Novel and surprising convenience of disassembly and re-assembly.    -   New and novel tricycle configuration made primarily from the        components of two traditional bicycles with surprising outcome        of a safe and easy to operate vehicle.    -   Ease of maintenance by mechanics with no special training.    -   Replacement parts may be easily sourced

Although several example embodiments of one or more aspects and/orfeatures have been described in detail herein with reference to theaccompanying drawings, it may be understood that aspects and/or featuresmay not be limited to these precise embodiments, and that variouschanges and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in theart without departing from the scope of spirit of the invention(e.g., s)as defined, for example, in the appended claims.

It is claimed:
 1. A multi-person tricycle comprising: three operablewheels, including two front drive wheels, and one rear steering wheel;two front wheel drive assemblies, each front wheel drive assemblyincluding a respective one of the front drive wheels, a rear wheelsteering assembly operably connected to a steering mechanism, the rearwheel steering assembly including the rear steering wheel; and a frameassembly integrally connecting said front wheel drive assemblies andsaid rear wheel steering assembly to thereby form said multi-persontricycle; and a lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly comprisinga lockable and unlockable crank arm linkage assembly; wherein themulti-person tricycle is configurable in an unlocked configuration inwhich each front wheel drive assembly including an independent drivetrain assembly, and in which the multi-person tricycle is configured ordesigned to enable at least two front-facing riders to each perform atleast one action selected from a group consisting of: independentlyexert his or her own pedaling force; independently vary his or her ownpedaling force; independently exert his or her own pedaling cadence; andindependently vary his or her own pedaling cadence; and wherein themulti-person tricycle is configurable in a locked configuration in whicheach front wheel drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the other,and in which the multi-person tricycle is configured or designed toenable one or more riders to each provide pedal torque which istransferred to the two front wheel drive assemblies.
 2. The tricycle ofclaim 1 wherein each front wheel drive assembly including a respectiveplurality of pedals.
 3. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the steeringmechanism is independently operable by each rider of the multi-persontricycle.
 4. The tricycle of claim 1 being configured or designed toenable two front-facing riders to sit side-by-side.
 5. The tricycle ofclaim 1 wherein differences in the pedaling forces and/or pedalingcadences of each respective rider does not substantially affect adirection of travel of the multi-person tricycle.
 6. The tricycle ofclaim 1 wherein the steering mechanism is controllable by either or bothriders of the multi-person tricycle.
 7. The tricycle of claim 1, whereinwherein the three operable wheels are each configured to contact a roador surface while one or more riders are operating the tricycle.
 8. Thetricycle of claim 1: wherein the front wheel drive assemblies and rearwheel steering assembly are each configured to be removably connectableto the frame assembly to thereby facilitate ease of disassembly andassembly of the multi-person tricycle.
 9. The tricycle of claim 1wherein the lockable/unlockable pedal connection assembly is configuredto provide functionality for mechanically coupling together the twoindependent drive train assemblies in a manner which provides theability for any single rider to simultaneously power two or moreindependent drive trains; and which provides the ability for the atleast two simultaneous riders to separately and independently power therespective drive trains by means of a dynamically adjustable couplingand decoupling mechanism.
 10. The tricycle of claim 1 wherein the pedalconnection assembly includes: a right crank arm coupled to the crank armlinkage assembly; a left crank arm coupled to the crank arm linkageassembly; and wherein the pedal connection assembly is configurable inan unblocked or decoupled configuration, thereby decoupling the left andright crank arms, and allowing the left and right crank arms to rotateindependently from each other; and wherein the pedal connection assemblyis configurable in locked or coupled configuration, thereby locking therelative positions of the left and right crank arms, and preventing theleft and right crank arms from rotating independently from each other.